New prize fund for environmental and social regeneration

Ethical Consumer has teamed up with Lush Cosmetics to launch a new £200,000 prize fund to help projects around the world that are working towards environmental and social regeneration.

Beyond sustainability

For many years, environmental campaigners have focused on the idea of sustainability – that we should be creating systems which use resources at a sustainable rate. For some campaigners, thinking has now shifted towards the idea of regeneration.

Many of our environments and societies are already damaged, so sustaining these in a damaged state makes no sense! What we need is systems that can regenerate damaged environments – by putting back more than they take out.

Funding inspiring projects

People all over the world are developing ways to live in harmony with nature and each other. They are generating renewable resources, restoring ecosystems, nurturing solidarity and making societies stronger.

Ethical Consumer is hoping to reach a diverse group of applicants that are trying to move beyond the sustainable to create systems and projects that help do this.

In doing so, they hope the prize will highlight inspiring and alternative ways of living, and for it to start creating a supportive network for regenerative projects around the world.

How they will do it

an annual £200,000 prize fund open to individuals, communities, and organisations from the earliest ideas stage of a project, through to established organisations, and campaign groups

a high-profile annual conference, bringing people together to share their skills and experiences, and raising awareness of regeneration and its potential

How can people nominate themselves for a prize

The project’s website contains more details about the prizes as well as application forms and background information. Nominations will close on February 28th 2017, and applications are welcomed from anywhere in the world.

The awards will be presented in May 2017 where they hope to gather a diverse group of stakeholders for a participatory conference.